Informal Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With Prime Minister Brian Mulroney of Canada

March 18, 1986
The Prime Minister. Good morning, again.

Q. Are the Blue Jays going to do it this year?

The Prime Minister. The Jays? Oh, yes. The Jays and Expos. Although some people from southern California disagree. [Laughter]

Q. Mr. Prime Minister, why is Canada giving aid to Nicaragua?

The Prime Minister. I beg your pardon?

Q. Is Canada not providing foreign aid to Nicaragua, and why?

The Prime Minister. Canada provides foreign aid to dozens and dozens and dozens of countries around the world. One of our noblest traditions is the, as is yours, is the providing of aid to countries less well off than ourselves. And we've been doing it ever since Canada was founded, pretty well. And it's a noble tradition that we plan to maintain.

Q. How do you feel about that, Mr. President?

The President. That's a matter for the sovereign state of Canada.

Note: The exchange began at 10:33 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White House.